Moving can be such a chore, but with our handy moving checklist, this monumental event is broken down into manageable tasks.

Two Months Before Your Move

Prepare a rough budget or estimate for the cost of your move so that you can determine if you will need financial assistance to take care of expenses such as house-hunting trips, pet care, tolls and utility, and housing deposits.

Keep accurate records of all expenses. Most are tax deductible on federal income tax.

Call movers for estimates and ask for references on their services that you can check. Some months are very busy, so you need to start early.

Once you have chosen your mover, discuss costs, packing, timing and insurance.

Make a list of all your belongings. Sell or give away anything you don’t want.

One Month Before Moving

Visit your bank or lending institution and advise them of your moving plans so they can offer recommendations on setting up accounts at a new financial institution where you will be moving. This will be of immense help in transferring your accounts.

Notify your doctor and dentist of your move in order to have records and prescriptions transferred. Ask them for referrals in your new community.

Determine which school(s) your children will attend and which records will need to be transferred.

If you have pets, arrange for their boarding during your pre-move and for shipping when you move. Contact your veterinarian for your pets’ records, and try to have all their shots and treatments done before you move. Call your new county to determine specific requirements for that area.

Verify requirements for auto licensing.

Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer insurance on your house and possessions to ensure coverage of your new home.

Close charge accounts you won’t be using in your new community.

Ask for a transfer of your credit bureau files.

Send change of address to your post office.

Send change of address cards to friends, magazines and creditors.

Notify your place of worship.

Cancel local deliveries such as newspapers.

Contact utilities for disconnection and possible refunds due you:

Electricity

Gas

Telephone

Cable TV

Trash collection

Water / sewage

Two Weeks Before Moving

Empty your safety deposit box.

Pack items of sentimental value and valuable papers that you are going to take care of yourself.

Clean out refrigerator and cabinets. Fix meals that use up food you don’t want to move.

Have your car(s) serviced for the trip.

Get a babysitter for when the movers are in your home.

Plan a furniture layout for the movers, showing where things should be in your new home.

Make hotel reservations if you are traveling for more than one day or if you have to wait for the movers to arrive.

Pack anything that the movers aren’t packing.

If your home isn’t sold, make maintenance and security arrangements with your real estate agent, and also plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, including carpets and draperies.

Check with local tax assessors to make sure your tax records are in order.

If your home will be vacant for some time, arrange for snow removal and lawn care, notify police, and your insurance agent.

If moving before summer is out and there is a possibility your home will remain vacant, ensure that exposed pipes are fitted with covers to prevent freezing.

Take a local phone directory with you.

Notify someone of your travel route and schedule.

Final Days Before Moving

Plan a survival package in case you have to wait for the movers:

Paper plates and plastic serving and eating utensils

Towels

Soap

Toilet paper

Bedding

Items to occupy children’s time

Snacks

New house keys

Pack clothes for the trip

Empty gasoline from lawn mower and discard any cleaning fluids that are flammable. Be sure you dispose of them properly. The mover won’t allow them to be packed.

Label boxes that you will need right away.

Get a cashier’s check for the movers and traveler’s checks for your trip and cover any expenses until your new accounts are available.

Defrost and dry your refrigerator and freezer.

Have appliances and antennae disconnected.

Give the movers your new telephone number or a location where they can reach you.

On Moving Day

Take pets to kennel so they won’t be underfoot.

Take small children to babysitter.

Either you or someone else should be there when the movers arrive to direct them.

Make a final inspection of your old home and make sure all doors and windows are locked and lights are out.

Take valuable documents, jewelry and money with you.

When You Arrive

Arrange for someone to be at your new home when the moving van arrives.

Direct the movers, but don’t get in their way.

Make sure all appliances are functioning and that electricity and gas are operating properly.

Inspect everything before you sign your moving receipt. And find out how many days you have to claim any possible damages.